Hi,
PSU milliamps = max current output. The more the safer for operation - the worse for short circuits ;).
PSU don't "push" current into Poly, it's the Poly that draws the current. In other words: it takes what it needs and the rest from the supply is just "not used".
Why only the 300mA PSU worked for you, Jill, is explained by some ∗other∗ factor than the milliamp rating. That's what I can place a bet on. What it is, I can only guess.
Some PSU's give poorly regulated (humming, unsteady) voltage that may drop below the required voltage level under load. These days the transformer PSU's are luckily replaced by switching-mode PSU's. You identify them by their light weight vs. higher current output. There is no big transformer with iron core inside. I don't know if there are switching-mode PSU's that cause unwanted high frequency noise for Poly.
In the past I've also seen PSU's that give a lot more than the nominal volts. I don't know if that is a problem for a Poly, or that it could cause the depicted symptoms.
Just my 9 volts... :)
Sami "Some-E" Jumppanen